The Tamesis
They’re growing so fast: Tanner Fletcher is ready for a big expansion. Since designers Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell launched their label in 2020, their quirky ensembles adorned with lace, ribbons and bow tops have steadily gained a cult following, finding a unique customer base who flock to them looking for more quirky ways to dress for events. But come fall, they’re finally ready to try more casual pieces. “We’re from the Midwest, so we wanted to launch a new category called ‘cabin wear,'” Rich said. “We are working hard to build [clothes for] Complete lifestyle. “
The new products — think of them as edited capsule collections within its main brand — revolve around adding its signature kitschy style to everyday pieces. Mainline assortments can shift toward formal wear, so designers are looking to introduce more wearable pieces at more affordable prices. Cozy knitwear is a big focus: striped sweaters come in sherbet-hued pinks, blues and creams. Crewneck sweaters and corduroy shirts feature images of white swans or ducks, inspired by the animals they grew up seeing in the Midwest. “Our dad really loved hunting and fishing,” Cassell said. “But of course, we had to make it a little gay.”
Sometimes when emerging brands grow too fast, too fast, it ends up being a cautionary tale, but Tanner Fletcher’s expansion was neat: Every casual piece still felt wholeheartedly about their feel, even the techy athleisure pants—trimmed with lace—and the chiffon plaid dress, with its pleats and puffed shoulders, was less lumberjack and more sweet. “We’re trying to make our clothes,” Cassell said. They also introduced playful pieces like a faux fur-trimmed mini skirt suit, which was their version of veering into sexy territory. “We have a lot of different customers, so we try to offer something for everyone,” Rich said.
Meanwhile, their more quirky eveningwear assortment ticks all the Tanner Fletcher must-haves. Never shying away from ball gowns, the pair designed a full-skirted black silk organza gown with white charmeuse panels. They wore oversized frilly polka dot shirts and white dress shirts with punk ruffles on the collars, which felt especially fun in a menswear environment. Their work has built and improved to a degree that feels more polished this season—like they finally have the time and resources to create, rather than rushing to the finish line. Their velvet bustier gown features swirling lace appliqués at the bust for a luxurious touch.
Comical tailoring has always been the pair’s forte, and it shined through again in fall, like a brown two-piece suit adorned with an assortment of duck vintage brooches. (Again, an eBay find.) It’s those special little details that, despite its growth trajectory, still make this collection feel special and personal. “Our vision is really starting to unfold, which is exciting,” Ritchie said.
